Coaches

Jim Byassee

Year Inducted: 1979

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations: (Mounds) Mound City High School
(Mounds) Meridian High School

Biography: At the time of his 1979 induction, Jim’s overall record was 514-154. In nine seasons at Mound City High School, his teams were 192-58. In 16 seasons at Meridian High School, his teams were 322-96. Meridian HS was a consolidation of all the Mounds area schools. Jim’s assistant coach was fellow Hall of Famer, Gene Cross (1994 inductee). Those teams won 9 IHSA Regional titles, and the 1972 IHSA Sectional crown on the way to a 2^nd place IHSA finish in Champaign. That championship game was the first Class A game played under the new 2-class system employed by the IHSA. His teams have had all-state players Brent Vines (1965), Stan Kerby (1970), and Calvin Johnson (1972).